Better everyday watch for a high school teacher?
TL;DR: Which watch is the better “everyday” watch for a late-20s high school teacher who dresses smart/smart casual most days?
Hey everyone, this is my first post here and thought there’d be no better way to start than to get some advice. I’ve been a watch enthusiast/collector (choose whichever label you like) for about a year now. I’m now really getting to where I can confidently identify what my tastes are. I don’t really want a huge collection (Honestly, I think three or so watches is plenty). So I’m looking for a watch to more or less be my “everyday” wear. I’ve come across plenty I like, but these two have both stood out.
I’m often drawn to integrated bracelets if I’m going to have a bracelet. And I love the dial on the Twelve. However, the Farer is also a beautiful watch and offers great versatility.
I’m a high school English teacher and varsity soccer coach in my late 20s. I live a fairly active life, but I don’t necessarily need something that can take a beating. My preference is definitely something that looks nice — and of course is good value for money. I like leather straps. I like bracelets. Most days I dress smart/smart casual for work and I would say I have a well above average fashion sense for a guy. The only other proper watch I have in my collection is a black dial Lorier Zephyr for the “dressier” days. My wrist size is 6.5” and I don’t want something about 38mm for a daily. If I could buy any watch it would be a Cartier Santos (not a fiscally responsible choice for me at the moment).
As I also believe a watch should at least somewhat reflect your personality, here’s a little about me. I love sports, particularly soccer, but I don’t base my life around them. I enjoy reading, am a trivia monster, and am just as content hanging out with friends on a weekend as I am staying home with my wife and dogs.
I know this is a ridiculously long post for what is essentially a recommendation thread, but I value the input of others with a shared interest.
Please feel free to share why you voted for which one or if you have something else you’d recommend in the ~$1-1.5k price range.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
I think the farer is a little more versatile
Both are awesome, but as been stated, the Farer is more versatile and while I like the 12, the bracelet isn’t a daily wearer for me.
Seiko alpnist
Seiko alpnist
Honestly not a big fan of any of the modern alpinists, but thanks for the recommendation!
Both are awesome, but as been stated, the Farer is more versatile and while I like the 12, the bracelet isn’t a daily wearer for me.
Fair. What kind of strap would you use on the Farer?
Fair. What kind of strap would you use on the Farer?
I’d go with something soft, suede like finish to offset the high shine finish of the watch. I like Farer straps, but I usually swap them out the moment the watch is delivered. Something like this.
For 1-1.5 you have a lot of choices if you go preowened Swiss higher brands.
For 1-1.5 you have a lot of choices if you go preowened Swiss higher brands.
Any recs in mind?
Hamilton Khaki auto with date, so you have date on your wrist
Hamilton Khaki auto with date, so you have date on your wrist
Khakis are just too boring/utilitarian for me. If I was going to get one, it would be the ubiquitous Murph.
Maybe split the difference between the two and go with a 36 or 39mm C Ward sealander?
https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/C63-Sealander-Automatic/C63-39ADA3-S00K1-VC.html
gives a similar-ish vibe to the Farer, with the option of a removable (and more comfortable) bracelet.
This is another great option. The steel hardening is very good, almost scratch proof. Great for an active life, plus looks similar: https://youtu.be/-0fyvtqgUwc?si=r4qr8hqp5kUChe60
Sinn, Urban gentry pole of 10 must have Watches the number one pick was the sin 104
I really love the Twelve, but for an everday, I personally would go with something that looks good on, and can regularly be changed onto, different types of straps (sailcloth/leather, nylon/nato, tropic, etc.), i.e. not an integrated. Is the CW C63 36mm out of contention? Their consort bracelet is beautiful and gets great reviews, and I'm sure it'd look great on leather or nato, too.
Sinn, Urban gentry pole of 10 must have Watches the number one pick was the sin 104
Can’t lie, I don’t at all see the appeal of Sinn.
Tudor BB
I do like the Murph
Swapped the plasticky “croc” that came with it for a suede…much, much better. Such a great 3 hander!
have your pick . all 3 are great
I hope your a teacher or go to a private school cos otherwise a Chris Ward or farer for high school way to expensive ? Better you get a Casio or Timex they will serve you better and you won't have to leave it in a locker ....
Some teachers make really good money! Shockingly so… including public school teachers if the schools are in affluent communities. They also get a fair amount of solid perks that are outside of base salary.
Suggestions threads should lean into granular personal detail more often! It's correct to think about the subtle messages things like watches can communicate, so it makes sense to paint a fuller picture.
I agree that the 12 is a dazzler, but that would probably be a point against it re daily wear flexibility. You could wear the Farer in situations where you couldn't wear the CW, but I'm not sure the utility would stretch as far in the other direction.
If anyone is still checking this thread, I would love to hear any thoughts on an Oris Big Crown Pointer Date as an alternative for a daily watch. I've always loved the design of these pieces, and would be looking at the black (gray) or green dial (with the Cervo Volante collaboration).
Some teachers make really good money! Shockingly so… including public school teachers if the schools are in affluent communities. They also get a fair amount of solid perks that are outside of base salary.
I wrote this as I don't think it is wise as A PUPIL to wear such expensive watches to school which is why I wrote I HOPE YOUR A TEACHER .
I wrote this as I don't think it is wise as A PUPIL to wear such expensive watches to school which is why I wrote I HOPE YOUR A TEACHER .
Ah got it… he does say he is a high school teacher and coach in his initial post.
I own a Farer. Absolutely love it. I have my eye on the 12 as my next major purchase. Between these two watches, for me it’s the 12, but that’s more a reflection of case size than anything else. I get that small seems to be the thing these days, but 36mm just looks stupidly small on my wrists. 38 is really as small as I can go. I have a 37mm watch and I hardly wear it because it’s just pushing it for me to pull off.
However, if size isn’t an issue, you can’t go wrong with either watch. They are both amazing brands.
Ah got it… he does say he is a high school teacher and coach in his initial post.
Yes I know that now thanks for explaing it to me .......
This is one of those questions I'm really not that keen on. You see, a watch is a personal decision and you can't possibly have others help you in a decision between two watches because they aren't you. However, with that being said. I think the CW is the better option but you should think of this. People with desk jobs who want to find a watch to wear should consider a leather band. Bracelets, desks, computers, and door knobs don't go well together. I say go with the CW, it seems to look better on you, but maybe get a gray or white leather strap (high quality). But here's the thing, my opinion doesn't matter...
A wrist operated tazer
If anyone is still checking this thread, I would love to hear any thoughts on an Oris Big Crown Pointer Date as an alternative for a daily watch. I've always loved the design of these pieces, and would be looking at the black (gray) or green dial (with the Cervo Volante collaboration).
Maybe you've already found your everyday watch but it's interesting that you lean in the same directions as myself. I already have the Oris Big Crown Date, albeit with the more modern face and the 403 caliber, the CW Twelve 36mm in Nordic Blue and at least the same case, caliber, crown and crystal as the mentioned Farer, but in my case it's the Resolute White 36mm. So I already have some experiences in regard to this watches.
First, the Oris: It's one of my most expensive watches, so I only use it for special occasions like a birthday party, a classical concert, but not for my everyday life (as an IT supporter and developer). Apart from that it has the perfect size for my 6.5 wrist. The nicely curved lugs and case is polished with the exception of the top of the lugs, so it leans more to the dressy side of sporty. One of the highlights is the perfectly made text on the domed dial which is complemented by the domed sapphire crystal. So it has a strong retro feel but looks also modern because of the case style (and added thickness). My only complain is the readability of the outer date track, or maybe I am already too old for that kind of dial (50+), and the fact that I never use the second barrel of the movement.
Second, the CW: I usually don't wear bracelets but this is a nice and flashy one. I have bought the watch maybe two weeks ago but have already worn it for several days. I also bought a rubber strap so that I can use it during the summer with a t-shirt. So I think I'll never wear the watch with the bracelet for everyone to see. The caliber is regulated to very good 2+ per day, so this is really nice. My only complain is the small crown and the tough time setting because of that. Hopefully this will get easier after some time. At least I don't have to set a date with that watch. Have I already mentioned that the watch sits very low on the wrist and you don't feel it wearing it a whole day?
Third, the Farer: The case has the same brushed lugs as the Oris and also a domed sapphire crystal but is much smaller and lighter. It's a fun watch for summer but looks a bit bulky due to the short and rather slim lugs. So my only complain is the loud rotor of the G101 and the too big lug width of 20mm. And maybe that I was not able to use the included thick leather strap.
BTW, the Junghans Max Bill has been a good recommendation if you like a clean design, and I'll add the Stowa Partitio to the list. This is a classy watch in flesh and sports the not too common functional watch style of the 30s. As you can maybe guess I own both of them. 😉
Hopefully this helps.
Maybe you've already found your everyday watch but it's interesting that you lean in the same directions as myself. I already have the Oris Big Crown Date, albeit with the more modern face and the 403 caliber, the CW Twelve 36mm in Nordic Blue and at least the same case, caliber, crown and crystal as the mentioned Farer, but in my case it's the Resolute White 36mm. So I already have some experiences in regard to this watches.
First, the Oris: It's one of my most expensive watches, so I only use it for special occasions like a birthday party, a classical concert, but not for my everyday life (as an IT supporter and developer). Apart from that it has the perfect size for my 6.5 wrist. The nicely curved lugs and case is polished with the exception of the top of the lugs, so it leans more to the dressy side of sporty. One of the highlights is the perfectly made text on the domed dial which is complemented by the domed sapphire crystal. So it has a strong retro feel but looks also modern because of the case style (and added thickness). My only complain is the readability of the outer date track, or maybe I am already too old for that kind of dial (50+), and the fact that I never use the second barrel of the movement.
Second, the CW: I usually don't wear bracelets but this is a nice and flashy one. I have bought the watch maybe two weeks ago but have already worn it for several days. I also bought a rubber strap so that I can use it during the summer with a t-shirt. So I think I'll never wear the watch with the bracelet for everyone to see. The caliber is regulated to very good 2+ per day, so this is really nice. My only complain is the small crown and the tough time setting because of that. Hopefully this will get easier after some time. At least I don't have to set a date with that watch. Have I already mentioned that the watch sits very low on the wrist and you don't feel it wearing it a whole day?
Third, the Farer: The case has the same brushed lugs as the Oris and also a domed sapphire crystal but is much smaller and lighter. It's a fun watch for summer but looks a bit bulky due to the short and rather slim lugs. So my only complain is the loud rotor of the G101 and the too big lug width of 20mm. And maybe that I was not able to use the included thick leather strap.
BTW, the Junghans Max Bill has been a good recommendation if you like a clean design, and I'll add the Stowa Partitio to the list. This is a classy watch in flesh and sports the not too common functional watch style of the 30s. As you can maybe guess I own both of them. 😉
Hopefully this helps.
Hey, I actually have. I figured nobody really cared to hear the resolution, but since you asked I’ll share.
Just last week I purchased a Nomos Club 701.1 (pictured) and it’s on my wrist right now. Selling a Nomos club special edition is what led me to this question. After spending several weeks without a Nomos, I was reminded of the reason I purchased one in the first place. No watch speaks so clearly to me. The versatility — a beautiful combination of simplicity and elegance, sportiness and style — and overall composition of the watch just fits me, and my collection is incomplete without one. Someone recently posed the question asking about our “hero watches” and the Nomos Club is clearly my hero watch.
Hey, I actually have. I figured nobody really cared to hear the resolution, but since you asked I’ll share.
Just last week I purchased a Nomos Club 701.1 (pictured) and it’s on my wrist right now. Selling a Nomos club special edition is what led me to this question. After spending several weeks without a Nomos, I was reminded of the reason I purchased one in the first place. No watch speaks so clearly to me. The versatility — a beautiful combination of simplicity and elegance, sportiness and style — and overall composition of the watch just fits me, and my collection is incomplete without one. Someone recently posed the question asking about our “hero watches” and the Nomos Club is clearly my hero watch.
Hi, thanks for the update. Congrats, I think that was a really good decision on your side! The updated Club looks more refined but hasn't lost it's fresh and sporty look. I have to digest the concept of a "hero watch" first, but I think in my case it's my Omega Seamaster.
BTW, I recently bought a Tangente Neomatik, so I have to wait some time till I can buy another Nomos. Unfortunately it's a bit too dressy for my everyday work, but every time I have it on my arm (usually on weekends) I feel at home if you can say that while wearing a watch. 😉 It's such an understated beauty. 😀
So hopefully the Club will stay in your collection for quite some time, wish you all the best!